[diginahole]

Here is a letter I sent to a client of mine who has been pumping my name up with the neighbours. I will be using this as a template in the future. Thought you folks might like to use it or help me improve it. Feedback would be appreciated. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Dear Jane and Jim,

Yesterday I signed up a large project with your neighbours, The Smiths. John tells me it was your recommendation that was responsible for him selecting Alfresco to install his new driveway.

I was very pleased to have the new business, but even more pleased that you thought well enough of me to recommend my company to John. As a company that prides itself on customer satisfaction, your recommendation is the best compliment I can imagine. That compliment will last forever. Long after the profits have been spent, I will still remember your kind words. I thank you for that, it means so much to me.

To show my appreciation, I would like to treat you to a wonderful dinner at Zinn's Bistro here in Port Perry. I have enclosed a gift certificate so you may make reservations any time you like. Enjoy!

Thank You,



Blair

What do ya think?

[Stonehenge]

Very Nice.

The Scrooge in me is thinking - 'Y'know, if you send them all to the same place, you may be able to get volume discounts on the gift certs.'

But it's a nice, well thought out message that is sure to be taken well among those who are educated and monied, who can afford your services.

Nice.

[BJR]

Short but sweet.

Very good.

[agla]

I think it is great. The only thing that I would change is that I would lose the "long after the profits are spent" part. It takes an otherwise personal letter and focuses it back at business. Even though the rest of it is somewhat about business, it feels much more warm and personal without that one phrase.

JMO

[Lanelle]

I agree agla. Maybe the phrase could be changed to something along the lines of: Long after the projects are finished....
Overall, that is a wonderful letter that should get you even more mention.

[diginahole]

Thanks, that was the part that was bugging me too. I like your suggestion Lanelle.

The other scentence that I think could sound better is "....John tells me it was your recommendation that was responsible for him selecting Alfresco to install his new driveway" . Any ideas there? Responsible just sounds too .... something, not sure what.

[Lanelle]

...that influenced him to select Alfresco....

[diginahole]

Perfect. Thanks

[dan deutekom]

Do the little changes and this letter goes from great to absolutely excellent!

[Tim]

I feel very strongly the need to reward this type of unsolicited referral. I think you are filling that need for your clients in a most excellent way. That type of approval gives me a rich satisfaction that money can't buy, and makes all the industry's trials and tribulations worth it to me. These simple things remain blessings for decades to come! Tim

[diginahole]

Thanks Tim, that helps.

Dear Jane and Jim,

Yesterday I signed up a large project with your neighbours, The Smiths. John tells me it was your recommendation that influenced him in selecting Alfresco to install his new driveway.

I was very pleased to have the new business, but even more pleased that you thought well enough of me to recommend my company to John. As a company that prides itself on customer satisfaction, your recommendation is the best compliment I can imagine. That type of approval gives me a rich satisfaction that money can't buy, and makes all the industry's trials and tribulations worth it to me. These simple things remain blessings for decades to come.

To show my appreciation, I would like to treat you to a wonderful dinner at Zinn's Bistro here in Port Perry. I have enclosed a gift certificate so you may make reservations any time you like. Enjoy!

Thanks,


Blair

To all, please feel free to use this note in your business communications. Any other ideas to keep lines of communication open with our customers?